Scattery Island Tours

Ferry and Tours to Scattery Island, West Clare, Ireland

Come Explore Scattery Island with Us

Located just off Kilrush in Co. Clare, and recently awarded The European Destination of Excellence for 2017 (EDEN), Scattery Island is truly a unique visitor experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors to the island are amazed at the wealth of historic sites, which includes five Churches, a Cathedral, a magnificent Round Tower, Napoleonic War Artillery Battery and a working Lighthouse.

Your guided walking tour (also available in French, German, Italian & Spanish) will immerse you in the island’s rich history. Scattery also offers a great a family day out and our junior VIP’s get their very own treasure trail map to explore the island their own way! Pack a picnic or even enjoy swim while you’re there.

Today the island is completely uninhabited, and you can explore its ancient historic sites and experience its unspoilt natural beauty in peace and tranquillity.

For the more adventurous and those who enjoy exploring and walking, our great island experience allows you additional time to fully explore the island and includes an additional audio tour of the southern side.

Give the gift of a Scattery Island tour or create family memories together by gifting a visit to Scattery Island. Our gift vouchers are presented in beautiful gift cards and make the perfect memorable gift.

Scattery Visitor Centre History

After the last islanders left Scattery in 1978, a series of wealthy overseas businessmen began purchasing land on the island, and at one time there were plans to turn Scattery Island into a private leisure resort.

However, in 1989, the Irish Government purchased almost all of the land on Scattery, and today the island is owned by the Irish state, which maintains the archaeological and historical monuments and is developing the island as a heritage site for the benefit of both local people and visitors to Ireland.

One of these developments has been the renovation of one of the old island cottages into a visitor centre that houses an exhibition where visitors can learn about the island’s rich history. The centre, which is located by the pier on the island, is run by the Heritage Services branch of the Office of Public works and is open seven days a week during the tourist season (June to August).

Ranked by TripAdvisor as the #1 Thing to Do in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland

A Wonderful Trip and Place to Visit

"I visited Scattery Island last month and thoroughly enjoyed it. The boat ride there and back was wonderful with lots of comfortable seating and even coffee and tea for sale. The time on the island was delightful as well, with the combination of beautiful nature, history of the area, and the traditional buildings. The visitors' center was very well done, housed in a restored typical building of the area and a very nice display."

– travelhoundGreece, TripAdvisor

Scattery Island

"What an interesting island to visit...trip made even better due to fantastic guide Morgan! Highly recommended trip if you are in the area. Staff are so friendly and helpful - we managed to make it onto the last trip for the season."

– travellingjoy2018, TripAdvisor

Great Historical and Monastic Island

"A must do journey if you happen to be in the Kilrush / Kilkee area. A 20 minute ferry ride to an uninhibited island that is steeped in monastic history going back to the fifth century with numerous ancient chapels and monuments. Take the guided tour with great guides who are simply bursting to tell the story of the ancient and recent history. A highly recommended experience."

– BronzeTank, TripAdvisor

Great Family Trip to Scattery island

"We went on the ferry from Kilrush Marina. Irene and the crew looked after us really well on the short scenic trip to the island which is beutiful.You get a glimpse of island life and the monastic settlements which date back over a 1000 years. There is a guided tour imcluded which is very interesting. If your in West Clare this is a must do for a family."

– Barry L., TripAdvisor

Beautiful, Peaceful Island

"I loved the whole experience from start to finish - the boat ride, the informative tour guide, and most of all, the free time to explore the island. I love being away from the traffic, experiencing nature - so beautiful, so peaceful."

– dance4joykt, TripAdvisor

Worth a Visit

"I went here as a huge Group.The age ranged from 1-19year olds plus adults. We had a fantastic day the sun was shining. The tour guide was very helpful and entertaining. We brought a packed lunch for all and we eat that after we explored the island. We went swimming aswell. Overall I would definitely recommend going on a trip here."

– Ciara9876, TripAdvisor

Amazing Tour of an Amazing Island.

"A wonderful experience from start to finish. The island is steeped in history which was so well narrated by our guide. One trip makes you want to return so we went in July 2018 and returned in August!"

– Susan M., TripAdvisor

Day Trip

"Wonderful experience, well worth a visit. Weather was exceptional for Sept. Pleasant boat trip & we enjoyed the Lock experience. Our guide,Micheal made the trip more interesting by including the children & the use of the Irish language. We walked to the lighthouse & a bit beyond that. I would recommend bringing a snack, comfortable shoes & a jacket."

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